Retailers are continuing the quest to engage with consumers on social channels. With the average person reportedly spending around one and a half hours a day on social – it’s undoubtedly a big opportunity.
What’s going to be hot in the world of ecommerce next year?
Our expert commentators have already given their thoughts on 2017, so let’s take a look at what they think will get us all talking in 2018.
It’s time to take a look back at the biggest ecommerce trends of the past year, with insight from a few esteemed experts.
So, what were the biggest talking points?
Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone X.
CEO Tim Cook stated the device is “the future of the smartphone,” and it’s clear the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) offers the most significant update to the iPhone family in years, with edge-to-edge OLED display, facial recognition capabilities and an aptitude for augmented reality.
I recently listened in on a meeting of Econsultancy’s Digital Advisory Board – attended by an invite-only group of C-Suite marketers.
As you might expect from the group (which included people from a number of different industries) – the subject matter was varied. However, one thing that particularly stood out to me was the topic of consumer loyalty.
Proper Tasty is the UK arm of Buzzfeed’s wildly popular food brand.
Since launching 18 months ago, it has become one of the top five fastest-growing Facebook pages, drawing in 26,000 new users every day. Even more impressive – 65% of UK audiences reportedly watch a Buzzfeed Proper Tasty video each month.
It’s impossible to ignore the word ‘millennial’ in relation to marketing these days.
If I had a pound for every time I heard it during Millennial 20/20 – an event focusing on digital innovation and disruption – I’d have been rolling in it by lunchtime.
While some automotive brands focus on nostalgia, others capitalise on user-generated content. But whatever the approach, many are recognising the power of using Instagram to attract and engage car enthusiasts.
With its takeover campaign, Maserati is one brand that’s been taking a different tack. Instead of simply partnering with influencers on a one-off or short term basis, it has relinquished control of its account to a different influencer each month since it launched.
Earlier this week, online fashion retailer Boohoo reported that its pre-tax profits rose 97% to £31m in the past year, almost doubling from just under £16m. Meanwhile, sales rose 51% to £295m.
Interestingly, this comes after the news that retail sales in the UK fell at the fastest quarterly rate since 2010.
Social commerce hasn’t quite taken off in the way it was predicted to.
While 52% of marketers said it would be the most prominent trend of 2016, you could argue that live video or influencer marketing ended up stealing its thunder.
Aldo is a footwear retailer with a heavy presence in shopping centres and high streets, but while in-store revenue climbed 5% in 2016, online revenue increased by 15%.
With clear demand from online consumers, Aldo decided it was time to freshen up its digital presence, recently redesigning its online and mobile website as well as launching ecommerce in 10 additional countries.
Lunch time in London usually involves paying £8 for the privilege of a soggy wrap. If you manage to avoid the temptation of a Boots meal deal, that is.
MealPal is a new service that’s aiming to make lunch times both more enjoyable and affordable.